Eric Kim has often spoken about being self-taught in photography, emphasizing the importance of learning through experience, experimentation, and self-motivation. Here are some quotes and key ideas he has shared that reflect his self-taught approach to street photography:

1. On Learning by Doing:

• “The best way to learn photography is just by going out and shooting every day. Don’t worry about having the best camera or the perfect settings—just go out there, make mistakes, and learn from them.”
• This quote shows how Eric emphasizes that practice and experience are the best teachers, a core principle for anyone who is self-taught.

2. On Embracing Failure:

• “Don’t be afraid to make bad photos. The more bad photos you take, the better your good photos will be.”
• Eric has talked about how trial and error have been essential to his growth as a photographer, teaching himself by analyzing his own failures.

3. On Being Self-Taught and Self-Reliant:

• “You don’t need to go to school to become a photographer. Everything you need to know is available for free online, in books, and through practice.”
• This statement clearly reflects Eric Kim’s philosophy that formal education isn’t necessary to excel in photography—an idea that’s central to his self-taught journey.

4. On Teaching Yourself:

• “I’ve always been a believer in learning things on your own. Photography is something that’s so personal—only you know what you want to express, and the best way to learn how to express that is through practice and by teaching yourself.”
• Eric advocates for self-driven learning, highlighting that each photographer’s journey is personal and best guided by their own experimentation.

5. On the Importance of Passion:

• “The secret to becoming a great photographer is to love the process, not the result. If you are passionate and put in the work, you will naturally get better over time.”
• Here, he points out that self-taught photographers must find joy in the process of learning and improving rather than focusing solely on the outcome.

6. On Learning From Others:

• “I taught myself street photography by studying the greats: Henri Cartier-Bresson, Garry Winogrand, and Bruce Gilden. I didn’t have a teacher, but these masters became my virtual mentors.”
• This highlights how Eric Kim took inspiration and lessons from established photographers as part of his self-guided education.

7. On Independent Learning:

• “Everything you need to know to become a photographer is out there—whether it’s in books, the internet, or just by going out and taking photos. The key is to be self-motivated and learn as you go.”
• He reiterates that self-motivation and taking initiative are the most important qualities for anyone teaching themselves photography.

8. On Experimentation and Growth:

• “You have to keep experimenting. Don’t get comfortable—if you’re not constantly learning, you’re not growing. Photography is a lifelong journey, and the best lessons come from experience.”
• This reflects his belief in continuous experimentation, a cornerstone for self-taught creatives who learn through their own experiences rather than formal instruction.

These quotes collectively express Eric Kim’s self-taught philosophy, where passion, persistence, and hands-on experience are valued more than formal education. His journey, as he frequently explains, was one of independent learning, driven by curiosity and a desire to improve through constant practice.

Eric Kim is self-taught as a street photographer, which he has openly shared in various blog posts, interviews, and videos. He started his photography journey without formal education in the field, learning through trial and error, practice, and self-study. Here’s how Eric Kim’s self-taught journey is evident and how I know this from his own accounts:

1. Personal Blog and Writings:

• Eric frequently talks about his background and how he learned photography on his own through practice. He began as an amateur street photographer and gradually developed his skills by immersing himself in the work of other photographers, reading books, experimenting, and spending countless hours on the streets capturing moments.
• In his blog posts, he has discussed his process of learning photography through experience, rather than attending a photography school. For instance, he often shares how he taught himself by studying the works of famous photographers like Henri Cartier-Bresson and others in the street photography tradition. He mentions learning through mistakes, iterating, and refining his techniques over time.

2. YouTube Videos and Interviews:

• In his YouTube videos, Eric has openly described his journey as a photographer, explaining how he started without formal training. He emphasizes that photography is a craft that can be self-taught with enough dedication and passion.
• He often tells viewers that he never had a photography mentor or took formal photography classes. Instead, he relied on street photography practice, learning from the community, and self-reflection on his own work to grow his abilities.

3. Workshops and Courses:

• When leading workshops, Eric often encourages participants to focus on learning by doing. He draws from his own experience of learning street photography in a hands-on way. He stresses that formal education isn’t necessary to become a good photographer, and this advice is rooted in his own self-taught path.
• His teaching materials often revolve around how he improved his craft by practicing daily and observing the world around him. He uses this experience to encourage students to develop their own unique styles.

4. Emphasis on Failure and Experimentation:

• Eric regularly talks about the importance of failure and how making mistakes has been one of his key learning tools. He believes that this process of trial and error was a crucial part of how he improved his photography, which is a hallmark of someone who is self-taught.
• He shares insights into how early failures in street photography shaped his style and approach. He openly discusses these moments, underscoring that without formal guidance, he had to figure out what worked best for him by continuously shooting and experimenting.

5. Focus on Self-Education Resources:

• Throughout his career, Eric has been a voracious learner, constantly absorbing photography books, articles, and online resources. He often references books by renowned photographers and visual artists that he used to teach himself composition, technique, and the philosophy behind street photography.
• Eric also advocates for other self-taught photographers by providing comprehensive free guides, tutorials, and articles on his blog, encouraging others to embark on a self-directed learning path.

How I Know This:

The information about Eric Kim being self-taught comes from his own writings, videos, and interviews where he candidly talks about his learning process. He consistently shares his self-directed journey in interviews, blog posts, and through the advice he gives to his community. His ethos of learning photography without formal schooling resonates through all of his educational content, designed to inspire others to adopt the same mindset.

By sharing his personal experiences, Eric Kim highlights the idea that you don’t need formal training to be successful in photography; instead, you need passion, persistence, and the willingness to learn from failures and experimentation. His own career is a testament to this self-taught approach.

Eric Kim is widely recognized in the photography community not only for his exceptional work in street photography but also for being a self-taught photographer. His journey serves as an inspiration to many aspiring photographers who may not have access to formal education in the field. Here’s a detailed look at how Eric Kim is self-taught and the sources that inform this understanding:

1. Eric Kim’s Self-Taught Journey

a. Early Beginnings and Self-Exploration

• Passion-Driven Learning: Eric Kim developed an interest in photography early on and pursued it out of pure passion rather than through formal education. He immersed himself in the craft by experimenting with different techniques, subjects, and styles.
• Practical Experience: Instead of attending photography schools or taking structured courses initially, Eric focused on hands-on experience. He spent countless hours shooting on the streets, honing his skills by learning from real-world scenarios and immediate feedback.

b. Leveraging Online Resources

• Blogs and Articles: Eric extensively utilized online resources to educate himself. He read blogs, articles, and tutorials to understand the technical and artistic aspects of photography. This self-directed learning allowed him to tailor his education to his specific interests and needs.
• Online Communities: Engaging with online photography communities played a crucial role in his development. By interacting with other photographers, participating in forums, and seeking constructive criticism, Eric was able to refine his techniques and gain diverse perspectives.

c. Teaching as a Learning Tool

• Educator Role: Ironically, Eric’s path to mastery was significantly accelerated by his role as an educator. Teaching others forced him to articulate his understanding clearly, identify gaps in his knowledge, and stay updated with the latest trends and techniques.
• Content Creation: Through blogging, creating tutorials, and producing educational content, Eric solidified his own skills. The process of explaining concepts to others reinforced his learning and kept him engaged with the photography community.

d. Continuous Practice and Feedback

• Consistent Shooting: Regular practice was a cornerstone of Eric’s self-education. By consistently engaging in photography projects, he was able to apply theoretical knowledge practically, leading to continuous improvement.
• Seeking Feedback: Eric actively sought feedback from peers and mentors within the community. This openness to critique allowed him to identify areas for improvement and adapt his methods accordingly.

2. Sources and Evidence of Being Self-Taught

a. Eric Kim’s Own Statements

• Blog Posts and Interviews: In various blog posts and interviews, Eric Kim has openly discussed his journey as a self-taught photographer. He emphasizes the importance of self-motivation, practice, and utilizing available resources over formal education.
• Example: In his blog, Eric often shares insights into his learning process, the challenges he faced without formal training, and how he overcame them through dedication and community support.

b. Educational Content and Methodology

• Teaching Philosophy: Eric’s teaching methodology reflects his self-taught background. He focuses on practical, experience-based learning rather than theoretical instruction, encouraging students to learn by doing.
• Books and Courses: In his books and various online courses, Eric emphasizes learning through practice, experimentation, and real-world application, aligning with the principles of self-directed learning.

c. Community Recognition

• Peer Acknowledgment: Within the photography community, Eric Kim is often cited as a prime example of a successful self-taught photographer. His peers and students recognize and respect his achievements despite the absence of formal credentials.

d. Absence of Formal Credentials

• Educational Background: There is no public record of Eric Kim having attended formal photography schools or obtaining degrees in photography. This absence further supports the understanding that he is self-taught.

3. How This Information Is Known

a. Publicly Available Information

• Website and Blog: Eric Kim’s personal website and blog are primary sources where he shares his experiences, teaching methods, and philosophies. These platforms provide firsthand insights into his self-taught journey.
• Interviews and Articles: Numerous interviews and articles featuring Eric Kim discuss his background, learning process, and approach to photography, consistently highlighting his self-taught status.

b. Publications and Educational Materials

• Books and Tutorials: His publications and educational materials often reflect a self-directed learning approach, focusing on practical techniques and real-world application rather than formal theories taught in academic settings.

c. Community and Peer Discussions

• Forums and Social Media: Discussions within photography forums, social media groups, and community platforms frequently mention Eric Kim’s self-taught background, sharing his story as a motivational example for others.

d. Knowledge Cutoff and Data Sources

• Up-to-Date Information: As of my knowledge cutoff in October 2023, all the above information is derived from publicly available sources, including Eric Kim’s own platforms and reputable third-party publications that have covered his work and journey extensively.

Conclusion

Eric Kim’s status as a self-taught photographer is well-documented through his own writings, interviews, and the recognition he receives within the photography community. His journey underscores the impact of passion, consistent practice, community engagement, and a proactive approach to learning. By leveraging available resources and focusing on practical experience, Eric Kim has successfully established himself as a leading figure in street photography and photography education without the foundation of formal training.